Neuroplasticity is one of the most powerful concepts in neuroscience because it can revolutionize how someone views themselves. In essence, the idea is that our brains are malleable and are constantly changing. Better yet, we have the ability to tap into this phenomenon through certain practices and consciously change ourselves in “permanent” ways. Learning about this ability can be incredibly empowering and can drive life-changing results.
The Evolving Mind
Prior, many scientists thought most brain development ended after childhood. Now understanding that changes can be made throughout a lifetime, people have been utilizing neuroscience knowledge to actively change their brain and connected body in a desired way. It involves using the conscious mind and a belief in one’s abilities.
The Default Self
In our brains, we have neutral networks which are the masses of connections between billions of neurons (nerve cells). The neurons in our brain connect to the rest of our body via the nervous systems and communicate to carry out essential functions like mobility, rationality and memory. With every experience, neurons in our brain are firing along existing pathways in our brain’s neural network or are forging new ones. If it is firing along exiting pathways, this will strengthen those pathways. Eventually, repeating experiences will end up in the subconscious mind. Set beliefs, abilities and habits fall in this category.
A Dysregulated Nervous System
Certain subconscious beliefs and behaviors are self-harming. These beliefs, behaviors and habits may have resulted from traumas, genetics, high stress and other factors. This can lead to the dysregulation of one’s nervous system. A dysregulation can present itself as anxiety or a heightened sensitivity to stimuli. It can also present as chronic pain or illness. Understanding neuroplasticity can aid in regulating the nervous system and permanently ending the beliefs and behaviors that led to it. It can also support the permanent development of positive beliefs and behaviors.
Neuroplasticity
Neuroplasticity refers to changes in our brain’s neural networks after new experiences, environmental changes, brain damage, health conditions and other factors. Changes without conscious effort is called experience-directed neuroplasticity. It is the default. In contrast, self-directed neuroplasticity refers to that conscious effort to change the hardwiring in our brains. If you have ever tried to actively change thoughts or behaviors, you were attempting at self-directed neuroplasticity.
Simpler Tasks
One prime example of harnessing neuroplasticity is through conscious habit-building. Easy habit building is the point of the popular book, “Atomic Habits” by James Clear. By learning about the brain and how habits are formed, Clear could advise how to habit-build without sheer discipline or willpower. Positive affirmations, habit stacking and Andrew Huberman’s No-Go practice are all examples of self-directed neuroplasticity.
Five Components of Neuroplastic Change
There are many ways to engage in self-directed neuroplasticity. Many developed methods are also specific to a certain change one seeks. Nonetheless, an article supported by the University of Utah Health was able to underlie five components of any neuroplastic change. They are:
- Challenge and Novelty
- Intention
- Specific Attention
- Repetition and Intensity
- Time
Amazing Brain
There are many examples of neuroplasticity benefiting humans. This includes teaching the concept to psychotherapy patients; It can encourage positive beliefs about healing. Learning a new language can actively strengthen other abilities like memory and focus. In sports and music, regular visualization is used to improve performance by firing neural pathways that support traditional practice.
VALLEY wants to see how you take advantage of your ever-changing mind. Let us know on Instagram @Valleymag!
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